The Beak Book

By zooming in on one of birds’ most idiosyncratic features, Page reveals just what a multifaceted marvel a beak can be: “This beak is for drilling./ This beak is for scooping.// This beak is for shredding./ This beak is for clutching.” Placed alongside a large, clean-lined illustration of a bird in profile, a declarative statement on each page describes what a specific beak can do. (Expertly captured field marks, rendered in vibrant, saturated color, pop against the crisp white background.) Page also offers a sentence explaining the declaration alongside an inset illustration showing the bird using its beak as described: “Using the expandable pouch that is part of its beak, the pelican scoops up a fish.” A clear, concise, and engaging read for fledgling ornithologists. Back matter includes more species detail and a bibliography. Ages 3–8. (Jan.)